Downingtown mayor announces candidacy for state representative

DOWNINGTOWN — Mayor Josh Maxwell officially announced on Tuesday his plans to run for the new 74th State House District.

“I am running for state representative because we need to grow our economy, fight for our schools, and ensure everyone gets a fair shake,” said Maxwell,a Democrat.

Caln Commissioner Josh Young, also a Democrat, also announced his plans to run. Republican Harry Lewis Jr. has indicated he plans to announce his candidacy this week.

The 74th District was moved to Chester County from Clearfield County after the 2010 Census showed population growth in this area.

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The district now encompasses Caln, Coatesville, Downingtown, East Caln, East Fallowfield, Modena, Parkesburg, South Coatesville, Sadsbury and Valley.

Maxwell first ran for state representative for the 155th district in November 2012. Republican Becky Corbin secured the open seat that was previously held by state Rep. Curt Schroder. Corbin had 54 percent of the votes while Maxwell received 46 percent.

Corbin will no longer have Downingtown in her district come next November.

“A top-tier education system and sustainable economic growth can make a difference for our families,” Maxwell said.

“In order to meet these challenges and secure a brighter future for our community we need strong leadership that can bring results,” Maxwell said. “That leadership is lacking in Harrisburg, which is why I proudly announce that I will be running for state representative.”

The primaries to nominate the party candidates will be in May.

Maxwell was re-elected last month for his second term as mayor with 68 percent of the votes. He was first elected in 2009.

Maxwell said that he understands “what it means to have to work hard to make ends meet” as he grew up in a twin house on Jefferson Avenue, with his three siblings.

“Creating more opportunities for working families and businesses starts with two things: a strong, properly funded school district and an environment conducive to strong economic growth that allows businesses to open, hire and grow,” Maxwell said in a statement Tuesday.

Maxwell helped to restart the Downingtown Main Street Association. He said that helped the community economically by creating partnerships between residents, businesses and elected leaders. He previously served as president of the association. He resigned as a member roughly six months ago.

Currently, Maxwell serves on the board of the Downingtown Community Education Foundation.

Maxwell was named the Best Young Politician in the area by Philadelphia Magazine in 2011.

He was endorsed by several officials in Chester County.

Pastor Randall Harris, president of the Coatesville Ministers Alliance, said the mayor has the right values to represent the district’s residents in Harrisburg.

County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone said she has witnessed what Maxwell’s passion, dedication and energy has brought to the Downingtown community.

“A fresh approach from somebody who understands community development is exactly what our Commonwealth needs. I am convinced that Josh Maxwell is the best choice to represent Chester County,” Cozzone said in a statement.

Former State Rep. Paul Drucker, who endorsed Maxwell, said he has seen what Maxwell has accomplished by building partnerships in the Downingtown community.

State House Labor leader and Democratic Zone leader Dave McLimans said that Maxwell is dedicated to helping working families.